Scars are an integral part of the healing process and result from an overproduction of collagen at the wound site. Scars go through numerous changes as they mature, but they are permanent in nature. Bio-Oil is formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, but it can never remove them.

Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. On new scars, Bio-Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should not be used on broken skin. Results will vary from individual to individual.

Stretch marks

When the body expands faster than the covering skin, the skin tears, forming a scar as it heals. These scars are visible on the surface of the skin as stretch marks.

The likelihood of developing stretch marks varies according to skin type, race, age, diet and hydration of the skin. Those most prone to stretch marks include individuals who experience periods of rapid weight gain or sudden growth spurts.

Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio-Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance, it can never remove them.

Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Results will vary from individual to individual.

Uneven skin tone

Uneven skin tone occurs when there is an inconsistent production of melanin by the body. This can be triggered by external causes, such as excessive exposure to the sun or the use of poor quality skin lightening products; or internal causes, such as hormonal fluctuations. Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Bio-Oil should be applied to the affected areas, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Bio-Oil does not contain a sunscreen factor. If using a sunscreen apply once Bio-Oil has been fully absorbed. Results will vary from individual to individual.

Ageing skin

Wrinkled skin commonly associated with ageing is largely caused by the weakening of the collagen and elastin support system in the skin. Bio-Oil contains numerous ingredients that help to plasticise the skin, making it softer, smoother and more supple, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkled skin. Bio-Oil also moisturises, which improves the texture, tone and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Bio-Oil should be applied to the affected areas twice daily. Results will vary from individual to individual.

Dehydrated skin

The surface of the skin has an invisible oil layer which acts as a barrier to stop moisture from escaping. In a very dry climate this lipid layer is often unable to cope and too much moisture is drawn out of the skin. Daily bathing or showering may exacerbate this by stripping away the lipid layer due to the astringent effects of soap and water. Bio-Oil supplements the skin’s natural oil layer, helping to restore its barrier function of retaining moisture.

Bio-Oil should be applied twice daily. Results will vary from individual to individual.

The Bio-Oil formulation is a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. It contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, which changes the formulation’s overall consistency, making it light and non-greasy, ensuring that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed.

Bio-Oil has undergone safety assessments in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Cosmetic Products. The toxicological profile, chemical structure, level of inclusion and total level of daily exposure of each ingredient used has been assessed and deemed safe for use.

Bio-Oil is manufactured in accordance with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) as stipulated by the World Health Organisation. All ingredients are tested for adulteration and microbiological contamination prior to production and a sample from each batch manufactured is laboratory tested and then retained and monitored over a 5-year period.

All Bio-Oil packaging is recyclable and all paper materials are certified to be in accordance with sustainable forest management practices.

No harmful emissions, hazardous waste or wastewater is generated in the production of Bio-Oil.

Double-blind, randomised and placebo controlled. Subjects had matching scars or a scar large enough to allow a half-half scar application and intra-subject comparison. Product applied twice daily for 8 weeks, no additional massaging performed on the target area. Application performed under supervision at regular intervals. Assessments conducted at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Different scar parameters as defined in the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were evaluated.

Result

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of scars. A statistically significant result after only 2 weeks (day 15), evident in 66% of the subjects. After 8 weeks (day 57) 92% of subjects showed an improvement, with the extent of the improvement almost triple that at 2 weeks. A continuous improvement of POSAS over the duration of the study.

Scar study, 2005

Trial centre

Photobiology Laboratory of the Medical University of South Africa.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of scars.

82% of participants recorded an improvement in the appearance of their scars after 4 weeks.

Acne scar study, 2012

Trial centre

Dept. of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.

Objective

An exploratory study to assess the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of facial acne scars on Chinese subjects.

Sample

Subjects: 44 Chinese subjects with newly formed acne scars on the face (<1 year old). Bio-Oil treatment cell included 32 subjects and the no treatment cell included 12 subjects. Age of participants: 14 to 30.

Methodology

Randomised, controlled, efficacy grader-blinded. Subjects participated in an initial screening evaluation followed by a 1-week washout period. Product applied twice daily for 10 weeks. Application performed under supervision at regular intervals. Assessments conducted at 0, 4, 8 and 10 weeks included the following: Global scarring score (GSS) assessment by the investigator, measurement of acne scar colour / redness using a chromameter, measurement of sebum levels using a sebumeter, documentation of number of comedones and inflammatory lesions by a dermatologist. Subjects also completed self-assessment questionnaires at each visit.

Result

The best result of the clinical grading was in Bio-Oil’s ability to reduce the erythema or redness of macular (flat) acne scars, with the overall skin becoming brighter. Results of the self-assessment questionnaire showed that more than 84% of subjects experienced an improvement in the overall condition of their acne scars and more than 90% experienced an improvement in scar colour. Acne count and sebum measurement results showed that using Bio-Oil does not cause or aggravate acne or increase sebum secretion.

Double-blind, randomised and placebo controlled. Subjects had matching stretch marks or a stretch mark large enough to allow a half-half stretch mark application and intra-subject comparison. Product was applied twice daily for 8 weeks, no additional massaging performed on the target area. Application performed under supervision at regular intervals. Assessments conducted at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Different scar parameters as defined in the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were evaluated.

Result

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of stretch marks. A statistically significant result after only 2 weeks (day 15), evident in 95% of the subjects. After 8 weeks (day 57) 100% of subjects showed an improvement, with the extent of the improvement more than double that at 2 weeks. A continuous improvement of POSAS over the duration of the study.

Stretch mark study, 2005

Trial centre

Photobiology Laboratory of the Medical University of South Africa.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of stretch marks.

To evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and mottled pigmentation when used by women with mild to moderate photodamaged (ageing) skin on the face and neck.

Sample

Subjects: 67 female participants (of varying ethnicities) with clinically determined mild to moderate photodamage on the face and neck. Bio-Oil treatment cell included 35 subjects and the no treatment cell included 32 subjects. Age of participants: 30 to 70.

Methodology

Randomised, controlled, efficacy grader-blinded. Subjects participated in an initial screening evaluation followed by a 1-week washout period. Product applied to the face and neck twice daily for 12 weeks. Application performed under supervision at baseline visit. Clinical evaluations conducted at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Subjects were clinically graded separately on the face and neck for uneven skin tone and mottled pigmentation.

Result

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and mottled pigmentation in photodamaged (ageing) skin. After 4 weeks a statistically significant result was achieved for both parameters on the face and neck. After 12 weeks 86% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a statistically significant improvement in uneven skin tone on the face, 71% of subjects in mottled pigmentation on the face, 69% in uneven skin tone on the neck and 60% in mottled pigmentation on the neck.

Uneven skin tone study, 2005

Trial centre

Photobiology Laboratory of the Medical University of South Africa.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Bio-Oil improved the appearance of uneven skin tone in both light and dark skin types. 93% of subjects recorded an improvement in appearance at 6 weeks. Clinician noted an equal improvement in both light and dark skin types from week 0 to 8. Clinician noted more improvement in dark skin types from week 8 to 12.

To evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Oil when used by women with mild to moderate photodamaged (ageing) skin on the face and neck.

Sample

Subjects: 67 female participants (of varying ethnicities) with clinically determined mild to moderate photodamage on the face and neck. Bio-Oil treatment cell included 35 subjects and the no treatment cell included 32 subjects. Age of participants: 30 to 70.

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the overall appearance of photodamaged (ageing) skin on the face and neck. After 8 weeks a statistically significant result was achieved for all clinically graded efficacy parameters. After 12 weeks 94% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a statistically significant improvement in overall appearance on the face and 80% of subjects showed a statistically significant improvement in overall appearance on the neck.

Study 2: body

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Oil when used on the décolletage, lower leg and arm skin by women with mild to moderate photodamaged (ageing) skin.

Sample

Subjects: 67 female participants (of varying ethnicities) with clinically determined mild to moderate photodamage on the face and neck. Bio-Oil treatment cell included 35 subjects and the no treatment cell included 32 subjects. Age of participants: 30 to 70.

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the overall appearance of photodamaged (ageing) skin on the body. After 4 weeks a statistically significant result was achieved for all clinically graded efficacy parameters. After 12 weeks 89% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a statistically significant improvement in overall appearance of the décolletage, lower legs and arms.

Dehydrated skin study, 2011

Trial centre

Photobiology Laboratory of the Medical University of South Africa.

Study 1

Objective

To assess the effect of a single application of Bio-Oil to improve stratum corneum (SC) barrier function and hydration.

Assessment of skin hydration with a Corneometer as the primary measure, assessment of barrier function with a Vapometer as a secondary measure. Panellists washed their forearms with soap 2 hours before measurements were taken. Baseline instrumental measurements were taken. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were then applied to separate sites on the volar forearm of all subjects. Measurements were taken again immediately after product application as well as 2 hours later, before and after wiping the products off. A control untreated site was also measured at all time points.

Result

After immediate application, both oils reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to the no treatment control. Increased skin capacitance values at the 2 hour pre-wipe time point indicated increased skin hydration for both oils. Two hours later, after wiping the oils from the skin’s surface, Bio-Oil showed further increased TEWL values compared to the reference oil, indicating increased moisture release and therefore increased skin hydration.

Study 2

Objective

To assess the effect of twice daily application of Bio-Oil for moisturisation performance and relief of dry skin.

Soap was used to induce dry skin over a 7 day period. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were applied twice daily. Skin assessments were made on days 1 and 3. Visual evaluations were performed by a trained visual evaluator using a 2x magnifying lamp. A control untreated site was also evaluated at all time points.

Result

Both Bio-Oil and the reference oil improved skin dryness compared with the no treatment control. Bio-Oil was statistically superior on day 3. Significant improvements in visual appearance of skin sites treated with Bio-Oil confirmed its effectiveness in relieving dry skin.

Acnegenic test, 2006

Trial centre

Future Cosmetics, Pretoria, South Africa.

Objective

To test whether Bio-Oil is likely to cause acne and comedones (pimples).

Randomised and controlled. Product applied twice daily for 28 days. 3 areas evaluated: untreated area (negative control), area to which Bio-Oil was applied, and area to which acetylated lanolin alcohol was applied (positive control - a known acnegenic product). Test products applied to the upper back (scapular) region.

Result

Bio-Oil was found to be non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic. Area to which Bio-Oil was applied showed no significant difference to the untreated area. Positive control induced acne.

Subjects: 21 participants. Age of participants: 18 to 65. Selection criteria: Subjects with known sensitive skin were selected and exposed to a positive control (lactic acid) to verify their sensitive skin status.

Methodology

Randomised and controlled. 3 areas were evaluated: area to which deionised water was applied (negative control), area to which Bio-Oil was applied, and area to which Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1% solution was applied (positive control - a known skin irritant). Test products applied via a patch to the volar forearm and removed after 24 hours. Skin evaluated and reactions noted at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after application. Dermatologist present during the evaluations. Skin reactions rated on a scale from 0 – 4 (with 0 being no response and 4 being fiery redness).

Result

Bio-Oil was found to be a non-irritant product for subjects with sensitive skin. No subjects experienced any adverse reactions to Bio-Oil. Bio-Oil had an average reaction value of 0.03 over the period of 96 hours. Bio-Oil performed better than deionised water (negative control).

Double-blind, randomised and controlled. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were applied to assigned test areas on the volar forearms of raters. Raters performed 100 cyclic movements at a defined speed. Raters then rated the absorption of the products on a 5-point scale from ‘very slow absorbing’ to ‘very fast absorbing’. Sebumeter measurements, to assess the amount of oil on the skin, were taken at two time points - before application and two minutes after product application.

Result

The absorbency of Bio-Oil into the skin was assessed as ‘very fast’ or ‘fast’ by the majority (77.3%) of trained raters. This was verified through instrumental measurement with sebumeter readings at the second time point showing that the amount of Bio-Oil left on the skin was significantly lower than compared with the reference oil.

Study 2

Objective

To assess the rate of absorption of Bio-Oil after standardised application and rubbing in.

Double-blind, randomised and controlled. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were applied to assigned test areas on the volar forearms of participants. Participants rubbed in the test product for 1 minute each. Participants then rated the absorption of the products on a 5-point scale from ‘very slow absorbing’ to ‘very fast absorbing’.

Result

The absorbency of Bio-Oil into the skin was assessed as ‘very fast’ or ‘fast’ by the majority (72%) of participants.

To evaluate whether Bio-Oil demonstrates a similar occlusivity level to vernix caseosa. (Vernix caseosa, the creamy-white and viscous biofilm that envelopes a baby while it is in the womb, is widely considered by cosmetic scientists as the ‘gold standard’ in skin moisturisation because of its ideal occlusivity level.)

Methodology

Known quantities of water were placed in beakers covered with a semi-permeable membrane called Vitro-Skin™, which mimics the surface properties of human skin. Vernix caseosa and Bio-Oil were applied to the membrane and the rate of water loss from the beaker was measured over time. This was compared with the rate of water loss without any product on the membrane. The water vapour transfer rate for each product was calculated and expressed in g/m2/h.

Result

Bio-Oil demonstrated a very similar occlusivity level to vernix caseosa, with Bio-Oil registering 23.5 and vernix caseosa 27.2.

Scars are an integral part of the healing process and result from an overproduction of collagen at the wound site. Scars go through numerous changes as they mature, but they are permanent in nature. Bio-Oil is formulated to help improve the appearance of scars, but it can never remove them.

Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. On new scars, Bio-Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should not be used on broken skin. Results will vary from individual to individual.

When the body expands faster than the covering skin, the skin tears, forming a scar as it heals. These scars are visible on the surface of the skin as stretch marks.

The likelihood of developing stretch marks varies according to skin type, race, age, diet and hydration of the skin. Those most prone to stretch marks include individuals who experience periods of rapid weight gain or sudden growth spurts.

Stretch marks are permanent in nature, and although Bio-Oil is formulated to help improve their appearance, it can never remove them.

Bio-Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the stretch marks, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Results will vary from individual to individual.

Uneven skin tone occurs when there is an inconsistent production of melanin by the body. This can be triggered by external causes, such as excessive exposure to the sun or the use of poor quality skin lightening products; or internal causes, such as hormonal fluctuations. Bio-Oil helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.

Bio-Oil should be applied to the affected areas, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. Bio-Oil does not contain a sunscreen factor. If using a sunscreen apply once Bio-Oil has been fully absorbed. Results will vary from individual to individual.

Wrinkled skin commonly associated with ageing is largely caused by the weakening of the collagen and elastin support system in the skin. Bio-Oil contains numerous ingredients that help to plasticise the skin, making it softer, smoother and more supple, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkled skin. Bio-Oil also moisturises, which improves the texture, tone and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Bio-Oil should be applied to the affected areas twice daily. Results will vary from individual to individual.

The surface of the skin has an invisible oil layer which acts as a barrier to stop moisture from escaping. In a very dry climate this lipid layer is often unable to cope and too much moisture is drawn out of the skin. Daily bathing or showering may exacerbate this by stripping away the lipid layer due to the astringent effects of soap and water. Bio-Oil supplements the skin’s natural oil layer, helping to restore its barrier function of retaining moisture.

Bio-Oil should be applied twice daily. Results will vary from individual to individual.

The Bio-Oil formulation is a combination of plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. It contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, which changes the formulation’s overall consistency, making it light and non-greasy, ensuring that the goodness contained in the vitamins and plant extracts is easily absorbed.

Bio-Oil has undergone safety assessments in accordance with the Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on Cosmetic Products. The toxicological profile, chemical structure, level of inclusion and total level of daily exposure of each ingredient used has been assessed and deemed safe for use.

Bio-Oil is manufactured in accordance with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice) as stipulated by the World Health Organisation. All ingredients are tested for adulteration and microbiological contamination prior to production and a sample from each batch manufactured is laboratory tested and then retained and monitored over a 5-year period.

All Bio-Oil packaging is recyclable and all paper materials are certified to be in accordance with sustainable forest management practices.

No harmful emissions, hazardous waste or wastewater is generated in the production of Bio-Oil.

Double-blind, randomised and placebo controlled. Subjects had matching scars or a scar large enough to allow a half-half scar application and intra-subject comparison. Product applied twice daily for 8 weeks, no additional massaging performed on the target area. Application performed under supervision at regular intervals. Assessments conducted at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Different scar parameters as defined in the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were evaluated.

Result

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of scars. A statistically significant result after only 2 weeks (day 15), evident in 66% of the subjects. After 8 weeks (day 57) 92% of subjects showed an improvement, with the extent of the improvement almost triple that at 2 weeks. A continuous improvement of POSAS over the duration of the study.

Dept. of Dermatology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.

Objective

An exploratory study to assess the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of facial acne scars on Chinese subjects.

Sample

Subjects: 44 Chinese subjects with newly formed acne scars on the face (<1 year old). Bio-Oil treatment cell included 32 subjects and the no treatment cell included 12 subjects. Age of participants: 14 to 30.

Methodology

Randomised, controlled, efficacy grader-blinded. Subjects participated in an initial screening evaluation followed by a 1-week washout period. Product applied twice daily for 10 weeks. Application performed under supervision at regular intervals. Assessments conducted at 0, 4, 8 and 10 weeks included the following: Global scarring score (GSS) assessment by the investigator, measurement of acne scar colour / redness using a chromameter, measurement of sebum levels using a sebumeter, documentation of number of comedones and inflammatory lesions by a dermatologist. Subjects also completed self-assessment questionnaires at each visit.

Result

The best result of the clinical grading was in Bio-Oil’s ability to reduce the erythema or redness of macular (flat) acne scars, with the overall skin becoming brighter. Results of the self-assessment questionnaire showed that more than 84% of subjects experienced an improvement in the overall condition of their acne scars and more than 90% experienced an improvement in scar colour. Acne count and sebum measurement results showed that using Bio-Oil does not cause or aggravate acne or increase sebum secretion.

Double-blind, randomised and placebo controlled. Subjects had matching stretch marks or a stretch mark large enough to allow a half-half stretch mark application and intra-subject comparison. Product was applied twice daily for 8 weeks, no additional massaging performed on the target area. Application performed under supervision at regular intervals. Assessments conducted at 0, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Different scar parameters as defined in the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were evaluated.

Result

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of stretch marks. A statistically significant result after only 2 weeks (day 15), evident in 95% of the subjects. After 8 weeks (day 57) 100% of subjects showed an improvement, with the extent of the improvement more than double that at 2 weeks. A continuous improvement of POSAS over the duration of the study.

To evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Oil in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and mottled pigmentation when used by women with mild to moderate photodamaged (ageing) skin on the face and neck.

Sample

Subjects: 67 female participants (of varying ethnicities) with clinically determined mild to moderate photodamage on the face and neck. Bio-Oil treatment cell included 35 subjects and the no treatment cell included 32 subjects. Age of participants: 30 to 70.

Methodology

Randomised, controlled, efficacy grader-blinded. Subjects participated in an initial screening evaluation followed by a 1-week washout period. Product applied to the face and neck twice daily for 12 weeks. Application performed under supervision at baseline visit. Clinical evaluations conducted at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Subjects were clinically graded separately on the face and neck for uneven skin tone and mottled pigmentation.

Result

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the appearance of uneven skin tone and mottled pigmentation in photodamaged (ageing) skin. After 4 weeks a statistically significant result was achieved for both parameters on the face and neck. After 12 weeks 86% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a statistically significant improvement in uneven skin tone on the face, 71% of subjects in mottled pigmentation on the face, 69% in uneven skin tone on the neck and 60% in mottled pigmentation on the neck.

Bio-Oil improved the appearance of uneven skin tone in both light and dark skin types. 93% of subjects recorded an improvement in appearance at 6 weeks. Clinician noted an equal improvement in both light and dark skin types from week 0 to 8. Clinician noted more improvement in dark skin types from week 8 to 12.

To evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Oil when used by women with mild to moderate photodamaged (ageing) skin on the face and neck.

Sample

Subjects: 67 female participants (of varying ethnicities) with clinically determined mild to moderate photodamage on the face and neck. Bio-Oil treatment cell included 35 subjects and the no treatment cell included 32 subjects. Age of participants: 30 to 70.

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the overall appearance of photodamaged (ageing) skin on the face and neck. After 8 weeks a statistically significant result was achieved for all clinically graded efficacy parameters. After 12 weeks 94% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a statistically significant improvement in overall appearance on the face and 80% of subjects showed a statistically significant improvement in overall appearance on the neck.

Study 2: body

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of Bio-Oil when used on the décolletage, lower leg and arm skin by women with mild to moderate photodamaged (ageing) skin.

Sample

Subjects: 67 female participants (of varying ethnicities) with clinically determined mild to moderate photodamage on the face and neck. Bio-Oil treatment cell included 35 subjects and the no treatment cell included 32 subjects. Age of participants: 30 to 70.

Bio-Oil is efficacious in improving the overall appearance of photodamaged (ageing) skin on the body. After 4 weeks a statistically significant result was achieved for all clinically graded efficacy parameters. After 12 weeks 89% of subjects in the Bio-Oil treatment cell showed a statistically significant improvement in overall appearance of the décolletage, lower legs and arms.

Assessment of skin hydration with a Corneometer as the primary measure, assessment of barrier function with a Vapometer as a secondary measure. Panellists washed their forearms with soap 2 hours before measurements were taken. Baseline instrumental measurements were taken. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were then applied to separate sites on the volar forearm of all subjects. Measurements were taken again immediately after product application as well as 2 hours later, before and after wiping the products off. A control untreated site was also measured at all time points.

Result

After immediate application, both oils reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) compared to the no treatment control. Increased skin capacitance values at the 2 hour pre-wipe time point indicated increased skin hydration for both oils. Two hours later, after wiping the oils from the skin’s surface, Bio-Oil showed further increased TEWL values compared to the reference oil, indicating increased moisture release and therefore increased skin hydration.

Study 2

Objective

To assess the effect of twice daily application of Bio-Oil for moisturisation performance and relief of dry skin.

Soap was used to induce dry skin over a 7 day period. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were applied twice daily. Skin assessments were made on days 1 and 3. Visual evaluations were performed by a trained visual evaluator using a 2x magnifying lamp. A control untreated site was also evaluated at all time points.

Result

Both Bio-Oil and the reference oil improved skin dryness compared with the no treatment control. Bio-Oil was statistically superior on day 3. Significant improvements in visual appearance of skin sites treated with Bio-Oil confirmed its effectiveness in relieving dry skin.

Randomised and controlled. Product applied twice daily for 28 days. 3 areas evaluated: untreated area (negative control), area to which Bio-Oil was applied, and area to which acetylated lanolin alcohol was applied (positive control - a known acnegenic product). Test products applied to the upper back (scapular) region.

Result

Bio-Oil was found to be non-acnegenic and non-comedogenic. Area to which Bio-Oil was applied showed no significant difference to the untreated area. Positive control induced acne.

Subjects: 21 participants. Age of participants: 18 to 65. Selection criteria: Subjects with known sensitive skin were selected and exposed to a positive control (lactic acid) to verify their sensitive skin status.

Methodology

Randomised and controlled. 3 areas were evaluated: area to which deionised water was applied (negative control), area to which Bio-Oil was applied, and area to which Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1% solution was applied (positive control - a known skin irritant). Test products applied via a patch to the volar forearm and removed after 24 hours. Skin evaluated and reactions noted at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after application. Dermatologist present during the evaluations. Skin reactions rated on a scale from 0 – 4 (with 0 being no response and 4 being fiery redness).

Result

Bio-Oil was found to be a non-irritant product for subjects with sensitive skin. No subjects experienced any adverse reactions to Bio-Oil. Bio-Oil had an average reaction value of 0.03 over the period of 96 hours. Bio-Oil performed better than deionised water (negative control).

Double-blind, randomised and controlled. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were applied to assigned test areas on the volar forearms of raters. Raters performed 100 cyclic movements at a defined speed. Raters then rated the absorption of the products on a 5-point scale from ‘very slow absorbing’ to ‘very fast absorbing’. Sebumeter measurements, to assess the amount of oil on the skin, were taken at two time points - before application and two minutes after product application.

Result

The absorbency of Bio-Oil into the skin was assessed as ‘very fast’ or ‘fast’ by the majority (77.3%) of trained raters. This was verified through instrumental measurement with sebumeter readings at the second time point showing that the amount of Bio-Oil left on the skin was significantly lower than compared with the reference oil.

Study 2

Objective

To assess the rate of absorption of Bio-Oil after standardised application and rubbing in.

Double-blind, randomised and controlled. Bio-Oil and a reference oil were applied to assigned test areas on the volar forearms of participants. Participants rubbed in the test product for 1 minute each. Participants then rated the absorption of the products on a 5-point scale from ‘very slow absorbing’ to ‘very fast absorbing’.

Result

The absorbency of Bio-Oil into the skin was assessed as ‘very fast’ or ‘fast’ by the majority (72%) of participants.

To evaluate whether Bio-Oil demonstrates a similar occlusivity level to vernix caseosa. (Vernix caseosa, the creamy-white and viscous biofilm that envelopes a baby while it is in the womb, is widely considered by cosmetic scientists as the ‘gold standard’ in skin moisturisation because of its ideal occlusivity level.)

Methodology

Known quantities of water were placed in beakers covered with a semi-permeable membrane called Vitro-Skin™, which mimics the surface properties of human skin. Vernix caseosa and Bio-Oil were applied to the membrane and the rate of water loss from the beaker was measured over time. This was compared with the rate of water loss without any product on the membrane. The water vapour transfer rate for each product was calculated and expressed in g/m2/h.

Result

Bio-Oil demonstrated a very similar occlusivity level to vernix caseosa, with Bio-Oil registering 23.5 and vernix caseosa 27.2.